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Vladimir Antoniuk

Feb. 13, 1935 Jan. 7, 2011

Vladimir Antoniuk was born in the Ukraine on Feb. 13, 1935. At the age of three, his family moved to Argentina and he later immigrated to the United States in the early 1960s at the age of 24, where he attended seminary in Chicago. His first marriage was to Betty Yakimow and they adopted their first son, Daniel, in the late 60s.

A couple of years later his wife Betty died at a young age due to health problems. Vladimir later married Jo Anne Butts and relocated to Turlock in the early 70s.In 1973, JoAnne gave birth to Stephen and the family remained in Turlock area for many years. Vladimir worked for the school district as a maintenance man for over 20 years as well as his wife JoAnne who also worked for the school district as a teacher.

His interests included studying the Bible extensively and though he never practiced on a professional level, his knowledge of theology and other religions was extensive. He also spoke Spanish fluently, spoke Russian and could read Hebrew. His other interests included collecting coins, stamps and tools.

On a personable level, he had an attitude of optimism and sense of humor that made him very likable to those who knew him both personally and professionally.

In June 2009, his wife JoAnne died of natural causes and he moved to the Las Vegas area to be closer to his sons, Daniel and Stephen. In the following months his health declined and he died of natural causes in his sleep on Friday, Jan. 7 in Las Vegas, Nev.